Kenya’s Lilian Odira delivered the race of her life in Tokyo, storming past Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson to win the women’s 800m world title in record-breaking fashion.
Clocking a blistering 1:54.62, Odira not only claimed her first global medal but also smashed the championship record that had stood since 1983. The victory was made even sweeter by the fact that she improved her personal best by nearly two seconds, cementing her place among the sport’s elite.
In a dramatic finish, Britain’s Georgina Hunter Bell secured silver in 1:54.90, narrowly edging her teammate Hodgkinson, who settled for bronze. For Hodgkinson, it was another near miss, having already taken silver at the last two world championships.
“This is my first World Championships and I am really grateful to be leaving it as the world champion. It has been a long time coming,” Odira said, reflecting on a journey that included a semifinal exit at the Paris Olympics and silver at last year’s African Games.
How did the 800m final unfold?
Defending champion Mary Moraa of Kenya set a fierce pace from the start, with Hodgkinson tucked close behind. At the bell, Hodgkinson was boxed in as Switzerland’s Audrey Werro surged ahead, but the Olympic champion fought through on the inside to regain position.
With 200m left, Hodgkinson finally broke free and looked ready to chase gold, leading a potential 1-2 finish for Britain alongside Hunter Bell. Yet in the closing meters, Odira unleashed a devastating kick, surging past both to take a stunning victory.
“The first lap was very fast. I knew I had to push on the second one. It was so quick,” Odira explained. “I managed to have the most powerful finish, and I got lucky to be going home with a gold medal. This medal means the world to me. It is for my sons, they are four and two. They are my motivation.”
For the 26-year-old, this gold marks the defining moment of her career. Just a month ago, she had finished second to Hodgkinson at the Silesia Diamond League, setting her then-personal best of 1:56.52. Now, she has etched her name into history as a world champion.
Hodgkinson, who returned to competition in August after a hamstring injury, admitted she was disappointed: “It got away from me once again. I went and gave my best. I will go back and see what I could have done differently. I wanted gold so I am a bit disappointed.”
By Yockshard Enyendi